More options and better job security required in career paths of physiotherapist researchers: an observational study.

QUESTION What career paths have physiotherapist researchers taken? What should career paths for physiotherapist researchers look like? DESIGN Observational study with questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS Australian physiotherapists who had a completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree by 2006. RESULTS Fifty-six of 87 physiotherapists with a doctorate degree (response rate 64%) completed the questionnaire. Over half had completed the doctorate since 2000. An interest in clinical research was the strongest driver for undertaking a doctorate degree. Of the respondents, 52% worked in traditional academic roles while those who pursued other mixed clinical/research or pure research paths reported a lack of job security; 38% continued to work clinically, with a further 43% reporting they would like to but had insufficient time or a career structure that did not allow clinical work. 54% felt that the profession valued research, while 63% felt that research was valued by clinicians. The four main suggestions for improving current research career paths were: 1) develop research careers that allow mixed clinical/research and academic/clinical roles; 2) improve funding for training, particularly post-doctoral positions, and secure appropriately funded physiotherapy research positions; 3) improve co-operation between academic (university) and clinical researchers; and 4) develop more flexible research careers to accommodate private practitioner researchers and others wishing to combine clinical work with teaching and research. CONCLUSION Physiotherapist researchers need broader career options and seek greater opportunity to link with clinical practice. Encouraging a vibrant research culture should foster professional excellence and enhance our reputation in the community.